Peak Flow Measurement

Procedure overview

What is peak flow measurement?

Peak flow measurement is a procedure in which air flowing out of the lungs is measured. The measurement obtained is called the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), or peak expiratory flow (PEF).

Peak flow measurement may be obtained using a spirometer, an instrument with a mouth piece that measures the amount of air breathed in and/or out and the rate at which the air is inhaled and expelled from the lungs. Peak flow may also be measured with a peak flow meter (PFM), a portable, hand-held device. Both devices take the measurement as an individual forcefully blows into the mouthpiece of the device.

Spirometry is usually performed in a doctor’s office, clinic, or a hospital. A peak flow meter is small and light enough to be used almost anywhere. There are several types of PFMs available. However, it is important that one continues to use the same type of PFM on a consistent basis, as the PEFR can vary among different brands and types of meters.

Peak flow measurement using a peak flow meter is particularly useful for individuals with asthma. During an asthma flare-up, the large airways in the lungs slowly begin to narrow. This slows the speed of air leaving the lungs. A peak flow meter, when used properly, can reveal narrowing of the airways well in advanced of an asthma attack. Peak flow meters can help determine:

Anatomy of the respiratory system

The respiratory system is made up of the organs involved in the exchange of gases, and consists of the:

Nose

Pharynx

Larynx

Trachea

Bronchi

Lungs

The upper respiratory tract includes the:

Nose

Nasal cavity

Ethmoidal air cells

Frontal sinuses

Maxillary sinus

Larynx

Trachea

The lower respiratory tract includes the lungs, bronchi, and alveoli.

What are the functions of the lungs?

The lungs take in oxygen, which cells need to live and carry out their normal functions. The lungs also get rid of carbon dioxide, a waste product of the body's cells.

The lungs are a pair of cone-shaped organs made up of spongy, pinkish-gray tissue. They take up most of the space in the chest, or the thorax (the part of the body between the base of the neck and diaphragm).

The lungs are enveloped in a membrane called the pleura.

The lungs are separated from each other by the mediastinum, an area that contains the following:

The heart and its large vessels

Trachea (windpipe)

Esophagus

Thymus

Lymph nodes

The right lung has three sections called lobes. The left lung has two lobes. When you breathe, the air enters the body through the nose or the mouth. It then travels down the throat through the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe) and goes into the lungs through tubes called mainstem bronchi.

One mainstem bronchus leads to the right lung and one to the left lung. In the lungs, the mainstem bronchi divide into smaller bronchi and then into even smaller tubes called bronchioles. Bronchioles end in tiny air sacs called alveoli.

Reasons for the procedure

A peak flow meter (PFM) can assist with the management of asthma. It can provide you and your doctor with information about how open the airways are in your lungs. The PFM can detect small changes in the large airways before you start to wheeze.

Using a PFM every day will let you know when your peak flows are starting to drop. This allows you to make early changes in your medication or routine to help prevent asthma symptoms from worsening. The PFM can also identify the value at which you will need to call your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Peak flow meters are primarily used for individuals who have asthma. Your doctor may not recommend that a PFM be used unless your asthma is considered moderate or severe and you are managed with medication(s). Peak flow meters are also useful in children who have asthma.

The measurements obtained by PFMs may also be useful in evaluating other conditions such as:

Emphysema.A chronic lung condition that affects the alveoli, the smallest air sacks in the lungs.

Chronic bronchitis.Long-term inflammation of the bronchi, which results in the increased production of mucous and a recurrent cough.

Risks of the procedure

Because obtaining peak flow measurement is a noninvasive procedure, it is safe for most individuals. It is quick and inexpensive. However, the individual must be able to follow clear, simple directions.

Having to take in deep breaths to perform the procedure may cause you to feel dizzy, light-headed, or short of breath.

The procedure may trigger coughing and/or wheezing.

There may be risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.

Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the accuracy of peak flow measurement. These factors may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Coughing during the procedure

Poor seal around the mouthpiece while performing the procedure

A dirty meter

Blocking the mouthpiece with the tongue

Use of bronchodilator (opens the airways) medication

Use of a different type or brand of PFM, as the measurements may vary among brands and types of meters

Before the procedure

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.

Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting, fluid restriction, or sedation is required. However, you may be asked to avoid eating a heavy meal before the test.

Notify your doctor of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.

Prior to beginning routine daily PFM monitoring, your doctor may instruct you to perform PFM on a more detailed schedule over two to three weeks in order to establish your “personal best” peak flow measurement. This personal best value will be used as a baseline for your routine measurements.

Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.

During the procedure

Peak flow measurement may be performed one or more times daily at the same time of day, whenever you are experiencing early warning signs of an asthma attack, or as otherwise directed by your doctor. You should always use the PFM before taking asthma medication. Your doctor may recommend other times when using a PFM is useful.

Generally, peak flow measurement follows this process:

Before each use, make sure the sliding pointer on the PFM is reset to the zero mark.

Hold the PFM by the handle.

Stand up straight.

Remove chewing gum or any food from your mouth.

Take a deep breath and put the mouthpiece in your mouth. Seal your lips and teeth tightly around the mouthpiece.

Blow out as hard and as fast as you can. Remember, a “fast blast” is better than a “slow blow.”

Note the number where the sliding pointer has stopped on the scale.

Reset the pointer to zero.

Repeat this routine three times. You will know you have done the technique correctly when the three readings are close together.

If you cough during a measurement, you should repeat it.

Record the highest of the three readings on a graph or in a notebook. Do not average these numbers together. This is called your peak flow.

Use the peak flow meter once a day, or as directed by your doctor. Measure peak flows about the same time each day. A good time might be when you first wake up or at bedtime.

After the procedure

Any type of care after the procedure will be based on the results of the procedure. Your doctor will instruct you about your peak flow zones and how you should respond when your peak flow measurement indicates a particular zone.

What are peak flow zones?

Peak flow zones are based on the traffic light concept: red means danger, yellow means caution, and green means safe. These zones are different for each person. Your doctor will help determine your peak flow zones. The three peak flow zones include:

Green. This is the go zone. The green zone is from 80 to 100 percent of your highest peak flow reading, or personal best. This is the zone you should be in every day. Measurements in this zone signal that air moves well through the large airways and that you can do your usual activities and go to sleep without trouble.

You should continue to follow your asthma plan as directed by your doctor.

Yellow. This is the caution or slow down zone. The yellow zone is from 50 to 80 percent of your personal best. Measurements in this zone are a clue that the large airways are starting to narrow. You may begin to have mild symptoms, such as coughing, feeling tired, feeling short of breath, or feeling like your chest is tightening. These symptoms may keep you from your usual activities or from sleeping well.

You should notify your doctor at this time. He or she may instruct you to increase or change your medications and give you additional instructions to help prevent your symptoms from worsening.

Red. This is the stop zone. The red zone is less than 50 percent of your personal best. Readings in this zone mean severe narrowing of the large airways has occurred. This is a medical emergency and you should get help right away. You may now be coughing, very short of breath, wheezing both when breathing in and out, or having retractions. You may also have problems walking and talking. You should take your rescue medication now and call your doctor.

The goal of the peak flow zones is to recognize early symptoms of uncontrolled asthma.

If it is necessary for you to get a new PFM, you should obtain a new personal best value for the new meter.

Online resources

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